A sponsor must:

• be 18 years of age or over
• be in New Zealand
• be a New Zealand or Australian citizen or the holder of a current residence permit that is not subject to requirements under section 18A of the Immigration Act 1987 or the holder of a residence class visa that is not subject to requirements under section 49(1) of the Immigration Act 2009 have been a New Zealand or Australian citizen and/or the holder of a residence permit or a residence class visa or a returning resident’s visa for at least three years immediately before the date their registration is received by Immigration New Zealand
• in each of the three 12-month portions within that three-year period, have spent a total of 184 days or more in New Zealand.

A sponsor must undertake to ensure that financial support and accommodation is provided to you, if necessary, for at least your first 5 years as a resident in New Zealand. Sponsors who gained residence in New Zealand on the basis of their status as refugees are only obliged to accommodate you for the first 5 years of your residence (if necessary).

A sponsor aged 18 to 24 must satisfy us that they are able to meet the undertakings given on the sponsorship form.